GIRLS BASKETBALL: Phoenixville falls to Sun Valley in 1-AAA tourney

ASTON — Phoenixville’s girls hung with favored Sun Valley for most of the game before falling to the Vanguards, 66-51, in the first round of the District 1-AAA playoffs Tuesday night.

Phoenixville, the 12th seed, ended its year at 5-17 overall.

Sun Valley (17-6), the fifth seed, will travel to face fourth-seeded Lower Moreland in the quarterfinals Saturday afternoon at 1:30.

Annie Rubino topped the Phantoms with 18 points, including four treys. Aubrey Flagg followed with 15 points and 12 in the first half.

Gia DeAngelo scorched the nets for 30 points for the Vanguards and Shayna Orr dropped home 20 with four treys.

Phoenixville fell behind 21-11 after one period but closed to within 34-31 by halftime. Sun Valley led 47-40 entering the fourth quarter.

The Phantoms fell behind 52-40 at the start of the fourth but pulled to within 52-49 with 3:05 showing. Then they were forced to foul.

“It was a good game, but we couldn’t pull it out,” said Rubino. “As a senior I wanted to put it all out. It has been an honor to play for them.”

The Phantoms were aware of DeAngelo but they could not stop her. She had 14 markers in the opening stanza.

Phoenixville coach Michele Dunleavy talked about the contest.

“Turnovers at the most perfect time for them,” said Dunleavy. “It was 52-49 and we were right there. We had to get the ball and we’re not used to having to get the ball in a do-or-die situation. We are not used to that.”

She thought the Phantoms should have done a better job penetrating Sun Valley’s 2-3 zone defense.

The Phantoms played without two starting frontcourt players in Jada Boyce and Gabby Duda due to injuries.